Show more screenshots »

Justin.tv is an application that gives the average internet user a quick, easy way to create a live video feed. Users can record themselves performing tasks or hosting their own show and share it with others online through the site. There are no topic restrictions, users can post live video of themselves playing a video game, cooking, or doing absolutely nothing if they wish to do so.

The application is available to users in more than 250 countries. While watching live video chats, viewers can participate in real time discussions. The application provides the tools to create a live, social event on the web. The application is intended for audiences of any size, from a few friends to thousands of viewers.

Justin.tv was founded in October of 2006 by Kyle Vogt, Emmett Shear and Justin Kan. The company is backed by Paul Grahman from Y Combinator. The application has received mediocre reviews from users, some pointing to the age trends as a big part of the problem.

The website has seen an increase in younger users (ages 13 to 17) which some blame for the loss of users over the age of 18.

There are a few ways to share live video content on the web. What makes Justin.tv so appealing is the way it provides a simple service intended for everyone and anyone. Any user can join the community and begin broadcasting their own video content. Whether it’s a live party feed, a casual video for friends or a serious web show, users can create and share using Justin.tv. The application is easy to use and gives users a variety of channels to explore.

Justin.tv maintains a simple, basic website that favors plain black and white. The site still looks and feels modern, with a few simple graphics and seamlessly blended forms. While this design might not work for some services, it lends itself well to Justin.tv’s purposes. Users can stay focused on the actual video content rather than flashy images and sophisticated graphics. Justin.tv provides a simple interface that works for all users.

A new user can sign up by clicking the white “Create Account” link near the top, center of the homepage (inside the black header). A pop up box appears and asks for a username, password, date of birth and email address. The user must also enter a verification word that appears at the bottom of the form to prove that they are human. The user is automatically logged in after successfully submitting the form.

All newly registered users are given a free account. Users who choose to upgrade can subscribe for $9.99 per month or $25.99 for three months of access.
Upgraded accounts include no advertising, no bandwidth restrictions, Pro club membership and Pro badge and colors in chats. Subscriptions can be cancelled at any time. Subscribers can pay using a credit card or their Paypal account. No payment information is needed when signing up for a free account.

Justin.tv is attractive for users who want a casual way to broadcast live video. Serious webcasters may be turned off by the site’s shortcomings and claims of unreliability made by online reviewers. The interface is clean and easy to use, but also very basic and informal. Justin.tv has its uses, but might not be a good choice for anyone who wants to establish themselves as a serious webcaster.

• Broadcast video from a laptop or desktop camera
• Viewers can watch from any computer with internet access
• Live chat allows users to join discussions while watching video
• Live channels help users find videos that interest them
• Users can follow others to view their most recent live videos

Justin.tv video

comments powered by Disqus